State passes legislation in wake of Coatesville arsons

HARRISBURG — Locally drafted legislation aimed at imposing stiffer penalties for arson offenders was passed by the state senate this week, according to the District Attorney’s office.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., R-44th, and state Senate Majority Leader Dominc Pileggi, R-9th, was drafted in response to the deadly Coatesville arsons that occured between 2008 and 2010.

During that time, the city was under siege as arsonists set over fifty fires. The arsonists targeted occupied homes in the middle of the night.

Irene Kempest, an 83-year-old holocaust survivor, was killed when her home set on fire.

“This arson legislation is the tool prosecutors need to keep our communities safe,” said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. “The criminals who risk the lives of innocent citizens and brave firefighters must be punished.”

The new legislation was drafted by the district attorney’s office and it was designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s arson statute.

The legislation creates a new crime, aggravated arson, which imposes stronger penalties if an arsonist sets a fire with the intent to injure another person. The charge would also be applicable if the arsonist sets fire to an occupied structure.

The proposed law would also call for enhanced sentences for convicted arsonists when an intentionally set fire results in injury or endangers multiple people. The enhanced sentences would also apply if an arsonist causes over a million dollars in damage.

The Senate bill was passed on Monday and it will now move to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

“The Chester County District Attorney’s Office thanks Senator Pileggi and Senator Rafferty for moving this bill forward,” Hogan said. “They are strong supporters of law enforcement and protecting our communities. Chester County also owes a debt of gratitude to Assistant District Attorney Tom Ost-Prisco, who serves as both a prosecutor and a volunteer firefighter, and who was the original architect of this legislation.”